I was going to get a NCIX desktop but a friend suggested I get the parts individually. I had no idea where to start so I am beginning with what was suggested in the PC Builder for an i7 desktop which is $1800-ish. I was hoping more for $1500 but I do plan to use this desktop for a few years so I'm thinking maybe I should invest more for a better machine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated since I'm sort of doing this blind.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

I want a computer that has quick start-up. I tend to multi-task so speed is important to me... I sometimes watch a video while working on Photoshop for photo-editing with a few internet browsers open for images with some website uploading and file backup in the background. I don't play games too often. Some of my friends who visit play games, so it would be nice to have that option but it's not too important to me.

2. What YOURbudget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread Around $1800+tax

3. What countryYOU will be buying YOUR parts from. Canada. I'm probably going to price-match and order/build from NCIX since there are stores near me.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. Intel

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOURcurrent parts, and if so, what those parts are. I will just use my old monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.I've read some, but I don't know enough about the components to know how they would relate.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. Default.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it? I haven't bought any parts yet. I'm hoping to build it once I have the necessary info.

9. What resolutionand settings do you use?N/A

10. Are there any specific technologies you want?

- I would like an SSD to faster boot-up, and to put all my programs on, so the computer runs faster.
- USB 3.0 for sure, but also some USB 2.0 slots.
- In addition, I'm hoping for two 7200rpm hard drives, maybe 1 TB each (or one 1TB and one 2TB).
- A DVD Drive. I'm undecided on adding a Blu-ray drive too... I guess it could be good for storing data on discs, and watching movies.

- I'm looking for a case that is not too gigantic since I'm putting it on my desk. But I don't want the system to overheat or anything, plus I'll need at least 4 slots for SSD, two HDD and one DVD drive. It might be good to have a slot free in case I want to add something in the future. I've never done that before, but maybe I could save money by just buying one HDD now and then waiting for a sale and putting the second one in later.

I'm also hoping for case which is traditional/simple looking. My roommate hosts some out of towners sometimes and I don't want it to be too obvious that there are expensive components inside.

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So this was the list that NCIX's PC Builder gave, so I'm using it as a starting point.

Ok.. If you don't game much you can get a cheaper gpu 660ti should be plenty.
The motherboard is also a bit on the expensive side for your needs, $150 board will be plenty.
an i5 3570k will be enough for your usage (at least it would for me with the use you listed)
The i7 only really comes into it's own with more apps or rendering etc. You will see a bit of difference but $100 worth? Your shout.
H40 not worth it. Hyper212 is good and cheap
I would double the ssd, You will find that 120gb will fill quickly.
No psu listed?
Personally, seagate with 1yr warranty on their hdds is not what I would use for important data. Wd blue would be my choice at the minimum.

Only real modification of Dzzope's recommendations I would make would be to drop the GPU one step further to a 660, as you don't game much; and possibly hanging onto that 3770k. The 660 would be plenty for occasional gaming, and the 3770 would give you just a touch more future proofing.

I'll keep the i7 3770K for now, though I agree it might not be worth the extra hundred.

I guess my remaining decisions would be:

1. It was suggested I get a cheaper $150 motherboard. Any suggestions? What should I be looking for?

2. I like the look of the Carbide case suggested above, and it's a bit smaller than than Antec P280 I had originally.

Carbide Series 300R Compact ATX Case, Black ($79.99)

My only worry is the reviews said there was only USB 3.0. There is one program/device I use which only work on USB 2.0.

This may be a dumb question. I know desktops usually have USB plug-ins at the front and the back. Is that all from the case? Or does it have something to do with the motherboard?

3. Power supply - the NCIX suggested build didn't have anything for this, so I don't know where to start.

4. Are Blu-ray drives both burners and readers? Is this useful instead of a plain DVD drive, or could I easily just get an external one in the future?

5. Am I missing anything else?
I don't need to choose anything for the Ethernet? I do have a cable that I can plug in. I usually use wireless on my laptop but I guess I will need to buy an external USB adapter for that?